Waste, and how we choose to handle it, affects our world's environment -- that's OUR environment—and our children’s future.  We need a healthy environment for our own health and happiness, and effective waste management is now more important than ever.  By practicing the 3 R’s (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) in school, we can guide the next generation toward environmental responsibility, divert waste, save money and conserve resources all at once.    

Did you know? 

• Paper can account for as much as 47% of a school’s total waste stream.
• According to the EPA, 75% of our trash could be recycled, but only 33% actually makes it into the recycling bin.
• Recycling saves energy.  Using recycled aluminum takes 74% less energy than mining virgin materials.
•  Americans use more than 90 million tons of paper a year.  Each ton of recycled paper saves 17 mature trees, 7,000 gallons of water, 3 cubic yards of landfill space, 2 barrels of oil, and 4,100 kilowatt-hours of electricity—enough energy to power the average American home for five months.

Benefits of School-wide Waste Reduction Programs

Waste Reduction activities positively affect student learning.

• Reducing, reusing and recycling gives students a variety of hands-on learning activities such as quantifying data, studying the science and economics of waste management issues, and organizing the collection of recyclables.

 Waste Reduction efforts can be cost effective.

• A decrease in material in dumpsters can mean a decrease in garbage disposal fees.  These savings may offset start-up costs such as bins, teacher and student education, awareness activities and collection costs. Implementing the 3 R’s can be cost-effective and, in the case of certain materials, generate income for the school.  

 Waste Reduction Programs are public relations tools.

• Targeted media releases highlighting the school’s waste reduction, recycling and energy conservation efforts will bring support for those efforts within the community.

 Waste Reduction Resources:

Reduce

Waste-free lunch  programs favor the use of reusable food containers, drink containers, utensils, and napkins. They discourage the use of disposable packaging, such as prepackaged foods, plastic bags, juice boxes and pouches, paper napkins, and disposable utensils.

Reuse

Freecycle is a website for getting rid of stuff you might otherwise throw away, or a place to find items that other people might be throwing away.

Recycle

New Hanover County Recycling Drop-off Sites 

City of Wilmington Curbside Recycling Information 

Earth 911  Enter your zip-code to find out what’s recyclable in your area.  Also, find activities and information for students and teachers.

Call 2 Recycle  Recycle rechargeable batteries at local drop-off sites.  The Call 2 Recycle Web site includes activity downloads for students. 

Terracycle is trying to eliminate the idea of waste by finding great uses for objects that used to be considered trash. Sign up for one or more of their collection programs to help raise funds for your school.

 Wipe Out Wireless Waste  is a campaign to recycle used wireless phones and generate proceeds for local community improvement and revitalization projects through Keep America Beautiful.  Postage, mailing labels and mailing instructions are available for FREE at the web site.

Educational Component

Energy Kids  Energy facts, games, and classroom activities for teachers and students.

American Forest and Paper Association  Activities and resources.

 Clean Sweep USA  Keep America Beautiful, Inc. offers lessons, games, and activities related to garbage, recycling, and litter.

 Wake County School Recycling Program games, activities, and resources.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Waste Education lessons, information, and resources.

Recycle Guys Lesson plans, grant opportunities, games, music and videos, and more  

Related Events

 Return the Warmth - March 1 to May 31.  National plastic recycling contest sponsored by Keep America Beautiful, Inc., Sam’s Club, and Aquafina.  Winners receive $1000 or fleece jackets.

 America Recycles Day—November 15.

 Waste-Reduction Week – Use this guide to implement a Waste Reduction week at your school when it’s convenient for you.